Work-mask wearing device and helmet using the same

ABSTRACT

[Problem] It is to obviate the trouble of making fine adjustments of a mounting angle to a helmet even if there are significant differences among individual workers in position of the mouth. 
     [Constitution] A helmet A 1  includes work-mask wearing devices  100, 100  attached to right and left ear areas of an edge a 1  of the helmet A 1  and a work mask connected to the work-mask wearing devices  100, 100 . The work-mask wearing device  100  includes a first plate  10  with a holder  12  and a second plate  20  joined to the other end side of the first plate and adapted to be folded back. The second plate  20  has a fixing plate portion  211  and a movable plate portion  212 , and the movable plate portion  212  of the second plate  20  is rotatable with respect to the first plate  10  not only in an open state but also in a closed state.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to work-mask wearing devices that allowusers to detach work masks, such as dust masks and gas masks, withhelmets on.

BACKGROUND ART

In light of the fact that a large proportion of workers wear onlyhelmets and not work masks as before when working in such workingenvironments as to adversely affect human bodies, such as when workingat construction sites, the present inventors have proposed an inventionof a work-mask wearing device that allows a user to detach a work maskwith a helmet on (Patent Literature 1).

-   Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.    2007-75522

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Unfortunately, although this work-mask wearing device is very convenientand well-received, significant variations among individual workers inthe position of the mouth may sometimes cause misalignment betweenstraps of the work mask and the work-mask wearing device. Themisalignment may hinder the proper wearing of the work mask, requiringfine adjustments such as devising a manner to attach the work mask on anedge of the helmet. Such adjustments are bothersome and adverselyaffects the increase in the wearing rate of work masks.

When the design is modified to allow fine adjustments of a mountingangle relative to the helmet, the worker for whom adjustments are madewill be able to use the helmet with no problem, but another worker willneed to make fine adjustment again when using the helmet. Suchmodification may not always be a fundamental solution.

The present invention is devised in light of the above-describedsituation, and it provides a work-mask wearing device that obviates theneed to make fine adjustment of its mounting angle to a helmet andprovides a helmet using the work-mask wearing device.

Solution to Problem

A work-mask wearing device according to the present invention to connecta work mask and a helmet, including a first plate including a holder onone end side thereof, the holder being adapted to hold an edge of thehelmet; and a second plate, including one end side and an other endside, the one end side of the second plate being joined to an other endside of the first plate and adapted to be folded back, and the other endside of the second plate being adapted to connect with an end of thework mask, wherein the first plate and the second plate are providedwith first fixing means for releasably maintaining a closed state whereouter surfaces of the plates overlap each other, and the second plate isrotatable in its entirety or in part with respect to the first plate notonly in an open state but also in the closed state.

According to the present invention, the work mask is connected to thesecond plate, and the holder of the first plate is used to mount thework-mask wearing device on the edge of the helmet. In this state, thefirst and second plates are brought into the closed state, then theouter surfaces of the plates overlap each other, with the distancebetween the helmet and the work mask reduced, so that the work maskcovers a mouth of a worker. In this process, the whole or part of thesecond plate is pulled by the work mask and thereby automaticallyinclined in the pulled direction, and as a result, the whole or part ofthe second plate and the end of the work mask are aligned, so that thework mask is properly worn. Conversely, when the first and second platesare brought into the open state, with the distance between the helmetand the work mask increased, so that the whole or part of the secondplate is inclined downward due to a weight of the work mask itself, andthe work mask comes off from the mouth of the worker and hangs down.

Accordingly, the work mask can be properly worn without making fineadjustments of the mounting angle to the helmet even if there aresignificant differences among individual workers in position of themouth. Accordingly, usability is improved, contributing to theenhancement of the wearing rate of the work mask.

Preferably, the first fixing means may include a claw provided in thesecond plate and a circular-arc hole formed in a surface of a plate bodyof the first plate, the circular-arc hole being adapted to receive andengage the claw.

In this case, the configuration is simplified because the claw servesboth as a guide and an engagement piece for the circular-arc hole. Thecost can be reduced in this respect.

The second plate may include a fixed plate portion, including one endside joined to the other end side of the first plate and adapted to befolded back; and a movable plate portion, including one end side and another end side, the one end side of the movable plate portion beingrotatabley joined to an other end side of the fixed plate portion, andthe other end side of the movable plate portion being adapted to connectwith the end of the work mask. Preferably, the fixed plate portion ofthe second plate may be provided with a stopper that is contactable witha portion of the movable plate portion to limit a rotation angular rangeof the movable plate portion.

In this case, the stopper limits the rotation angular range of themovable plate portion. Accordingly, even if the first and second platesare brought into the open state in a rough manner, the stopper securelyabuts and stops the movable plate portion to prevent the work mask fromhitting the breast or other part of the worker with a large force. Thisaspect improves the usability.

The second plate may include a main plate configured to include thefixed plate portion and the movable plate portion; and a sub plate,including one end side and an other end side, the one end side of thesub plate being rotatabley joined to an other end side of the mainplate, and the other end side of the sub plate including an insertionthrough-hole for passing therethrough a strap of the work mask. In thiscase, the main plate and the sub plate are provided with second fixingmeans for releasably maintaining a closed state where inner surfaces ofthe plates overlap each other.

In this case, as the strap of the work mask is passed through theinsertion through-hole formed in the sub plate, the work mask will notcome close to the worker and annoy him when the first and second platesare in the open state. Moreover, the work mask in the closed state canbe attached smoothly. These aspects also improve the usability.

The second fixing means may include a projection provided on an innersurface of the movable plate portion of the main plate and a depressionformed in an inner surface of the sub plate, the depression beingadapted to receive and engage the projection.

In the first plate, the holder thereof may be provided so as to overhangin a thickness direction of the first plate.

In this case, the first plate and other parts is spaced apart from andthereby does not contact the face of the worker, the worker hardly feelsuncomfortable even when he sweats during work. Moreover, wear comfort isfavorable even for a worker wearing eyeglasses because there exists noportion in contact with temples of the eyeglasses. These aspects furtherimprove the usability.

The holder of the first plate may include, for example, a base, beingadapted to be disposed along, below, and opposite the edge of thehelmet; an inner claw of straight plate-like shape, standing on an innerside of the base and being contactable with an inner side of the edge ofthe helmet; and an outer claw, standing on an outer side of the base andbeing contactable with an outer side of the edge of the helmet.

In this case, the edge of the helmet is sandwiched and held between theinner claw and the outer claw, so that a wider range of types etc. ofhelmets may be used, which further enhances the usability.

In the case of the first plate having the above-described holder, atleast one of the outer claw and the base is passed through an annularcushioning member for stably attaching the work-mask wearing device ontothe edge of the helmet.

In this case, it is possible not only to stabilize the attachment on theedge of the helmet but also to further enlarge the range of types etc.of applicable helmets through the adjustment of a thickness of thecushioning member. This aspect further enhances the usability.

In the case where the work-mask wearing device is mounted on an edge ofa helmet with no gutter, the work-mask wearing device may furtherinclude a first attachment member including a distal end that is adaptedto hold the edge of the helmet with no gutter. In this case, the base ofthe holder of the first plate is formed with a hole to mount from abovea base end of the first attachment member along the first plate.Similarly, in the case where the work-mask wearing device is mounted onan edge of a helmet with gutter, the work-mask wearing device mayfurther include a second attachment member including a distal end ofL-shaped cross section adapted to hook the edge of the helmet withgutter. In this case, the base of the holder of the first plate isformed with a hole to mount from above a base end of the secondattachment member along the first plate.

In either case, the work-mask wearing device can be securely mounted onthe edge of the helmet irrespective of the type of the helmet with orwithout gutter, further enlarging the range of the types etc. ofapplicable helmets, and thus improving the usability.

A helmet according to the present invention includes the above-describedwork-mask wearing devices attached to right and left ear areas of theedge of the helmet and a work mask connected to the other end sides ofthe second plates of the work-mask wearing devices. Also, the work-maskwearing devices may not be attached to but integrated with the right andleft ear areas of the edge of the helmet.

The helmet as described above produces a similar effect to that of theabove-described work-mask wearing device. That is, the work mask can beproperly worn without making fine adjustments even when there aresignificant differences among individual workers in position of themouth. Accordingly, the usability is improved, and the wearing rate ofthe work mask can be increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(A) and (B) are schematic side views showing states where ahelmet with no gutter is worn, where FIG. 1(A) is a view showing a statewhere a work-mask wearing device is in a closed state, and FIG. 1(B) isa view showing a state where the work-mask wearing device is in an openstate.

FIGS. 2(A) and (B) are schematic side views showing states where ahelmet with gutter is worn similarly to the FIGS. 1(A) and (B), whereFIG. 2(A) is a view showing the state where the work-mask wearing deviceis in the closed state, and FIG. 2(B) is a view showing the state wherethe work-mask wearing device is in the open state.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the work-mask wearing device in the open stateof the helmet shown in FIGS. 1(A) and (B).

FIG. 4 is a back view of the work-mask wearing device in the open state.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the work-mask wearing device in the closedstate.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a holder of a first plate of the work-maskwearing device.

FIG. 7 is a partially omitted schematic side view of the work-maskwearing device.

FIGS. 8(A) and (B) are views showing an attachment member for the helmetwith no gutter, where FIG. 8(A) is a side view and FIG. 8(B) is a frontview.

FIGS. 9(A) and (B) are views showing an attachment member for the helmetwith gutter as shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), where FIG. 9(A) is a sideview and FIG. 9(B) is a front view.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment member forthe helmet with no gutter as shown in FIGS. 8(A) and (B) in a state ofbeing attached to the holder of the first plate.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment member forthe helmet with gutter as shown in FIGS. 9(A) and (B) in a state ofbeing attached to the holder of the first plate.

FIGS. 12(A) and (B) illustrate a modified helmet corresponding to FIGS.1(A) and (B), where FIG. 12(A) illustrates a state where the work-maskwearing device is in a closed state, and FIG. 12(B) illustrates a statewhere the work-mask wearing device is in an open state.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 1(A) to 12(B). A later section of Reference Signs List indicatesthe correspondence between the components shown in the drawings and thematters defining the invention described in the claims.

FIGS. 1(A) and (B) are schematic side views showing states where ahelmet with no gutter is worn, and FIGS. 2(A) and (B) are schematic sideviews showing states where a helmet with gutter is worn. Referencenumerals A1, A2 denote a helmet with no gutter and a helmet with gutter,respectively; a1, a2 denote edges of the helmets A1, A2, respectively;100 denotes a work-mask wearing device, 200 denotes a work mask such asa dust mask or a gas mask, and 300 denotes goggles, which are often usedtogether with the work mask 200. FIGS. 1(A) and (B) and FIGS. 2(A) and(B) illustrate only one of the work-mask wearing devices 100.

The helmet A1 is a safety cap made of ABS, PC, PE or EPF. As shown inFIGS. 1(A) and (B), the helmet A1 includes the work-mask wearing devices100, 100 attached to right and left ear areas of the edge a1 of thehelmet A1 and the work mask 200 connectable to the work-mask wearingdevices 100, 100. Either side of the work mask 200 is provided withupper and lower dual stretchable bands 201 such as rubber bands.

The helmet A2 has a similar configuration to that of the helmet A1. Asshown in FIGS. 2(A) and (B), the helmet A2 includes the work-maskwearing devices 100, 100 attached to right and left ear areas of theedge a2 of the helmet A2 and the work mask 200 connectable to thework-mask wearing devices 100, 100. The two kinds of helmets aredifferent from each other only in the shapes of the edges a1, a2 andattachment members 30, 40 used for the work-mask wearing devices 100,100. The edge a1 has no gutter, while the edge a2 has a gutter ofU-shape in cross-sectional view. That is, A1 is a helmet with no gutter,and A2 is a helmet with gutter. The attachment member 30 is used for theedge a1 of the helmet A1, while the attachment member 40 is used for theedge a2 of the helmet A2.

The configuration of each of the work-mask wearing devices 100 will bedescribed, focusing on a case where it is used with the helmet A1. FIG.3 is a front view of the work-mask wearing device 100 in an open stateof the helmet A1, FIG. 4 is a back view of the work-mask wearing device100 in the open state, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the work-maskwearing device 100 in an closed state. Reference numeral 10 denotes afirst plate; 20 denotes a second plate having a fixed plate portion 211,a movable plate portion 212, etc.; and 30 denotes the attachment member.

As shown in FIG. 3, the work-mask wearing device 100 is a molded articleof resin such as plastic materials, which is used to connect the workmask 200 and the helmet A1. The work-mask wearing device 100 includesthe first plate 10 with a holder 12 on one end side thereof, the holderbeing adapted to hold the edge a1 of the helmet A1; the second plate 20,one end side of which is joined to the other end side of the first plate10 and adapted to be folded back and the other end side of which isadapted to connect with ends of the stretchable bands 201 (see FIGS.1(A) and (B)) of the work mask 200; and the attachment member 30 havinga holding member 31 adapted to hold the edge a1 of the helmet A1. Theattachment member 30 is an optional component to securely mount thework-mask wearing device 100 on the edge a1 of the helmet A1.

The first plate 10 and the second plate 20 are as a whole bent into agenerally L shape, as shown in FIG. 3.

The first and second plates 10, 20 are provided with first fixing meansfor releasably maintaining the closed state where outer surfaces (frontsurfaces as shown in FIG. 3) of the two plates overlap each other. Thefirst fixing means includes a claw 213, provided on the movable plateportion 212 of the second plate 20, and a circular-arc hole 13, formedin a surface of a plate body 11 of the first plate 10 and adapted toreceive and engage the claw 213. Accordingly, the movable plate portion212 of the second plate 20 is rotatable with respect to the first plate10 not only in the open state but also in the closed state (see FIGS. 3and 5).

The first plate 10 has a plate body 11, which is shaped like a plateslightly curved so as to conform to a cheek of the face of a worker, andthe holder 12 to be arranged parallel to the edge a1 of the helmet A1.

The plate body 11 is at such a relative position as to be inclined anangle of about 30° to 50° to the holder 12. The circular-arc hole 13 isformed through centrally in the surface of the plate body 11. Teeth 14each having a triangular cross section form a plurality of rows on aninner surface of the plate body 11 to detachably fix the attachmentmember 30 (see FIGS. 4 and 10). Across the other end side of the platebody 11 are hinge shafts 15, 15 to join the plate body 11 to the one endside of the second plate 20 in a openable and closable manner (see FIGS.4 and 7).

An end of the plate body 11 has a cut-out hook hole 16 to passtherethrough a stretchable band 310 of the goggles 300 (see FIGS. 1(A)and (B)). The cut-out hook hole 16 is a circular-arc hole having a widthcorresponding to a width of the stretchable band 310 of the goggles 300,and a partially cut-out portion of the cut-out hook hole 16 serves as agroove for receiving the stretchable band 310. The cut-out hook hole 16may be omitted when the goggles 300 are not used.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the holder 12 of the first plate 10. As shownin FIG. 6, the holder 12 is provided on one end side of the plate body11 so as to overhang in its thickness direction (see FIG. 10).Specifically, the holder 12 has a base 121, disposed along, below, andopposite the edge a1 of the helmet A1; inner claws 122, 122 of straightplate-like shape, standing on an inner side of the base 121 and beingcontactable with an inner side of the edge a1 of the helmet A1 (see FIG.10); and outer claws 123, 123 each having a ¼ circular-arc cross sectionthat stand on an outer side of the base 121 and being contactable withan outer side of the edge a1 of the helmet A1 (see FIG. 10).

Accordingly, the edge a1 of the helmet A1 is elastically sandwichedbetween the inner claws 122, 122 and the outer claws 123, 123, so thatthe work-mask wearing device 100 can be held on the edge a1 of thehelmet A1.

At a position between the outer claws 123 in a central portion of thebase 121 of the holder 12, a hole 124 is formed to receive a base end ofthe attachment member 30 from above along the plate body 11 (see FIG.10).

The holder 12 is provided with a total of four annular cushioningmembers 50 made of rubber to stably mount the work-mask wearing device100 onto the edge a1 of the helmet A1. Specifically, the cushioningmembers 50 are placed around distal ends of the outer claws 122, 122 andaround the portions of the base 121 between the inner claws 122 and theouter claws 122.

The second plate 20 has a main plate 21 and a sub plate 22, as shown inFIG. 3. One end side of the sub plate 22 is joined to the other end sideof the main plate 21 and adapted to be folded back. The second plate 20is at such a relative position as to be inclined at an angle of about120° to 150° to the plate body 11 of the first plate 10.

The main plate 21 and the sub plate 22 are provided with second fixingmeans for releasably maintaining a closed state where inner surfaces(back surfaces as shown in FIG. 4) of the plates overlap each other. Asshown in FIG. 4, the second fixing means has a projection 2121, providedon an inner surface of the movable plate portion 212 (see FIG. 7), and adepression 223, formed in the inner surface of the sub plate 22 andadapted to receive and engage the projection 2121 (see FIG. 7). A distalend of the projection 2121 is formed integrally with a bifurcatedengagement piece 2125 that is resiliently contactactable with an innersurface of the depression 223 (see FIG. 7).

As shown in FIG. 3, the main plate 21 is configured to include the fixedplate portion 211, one end side of which is joined to the other end sideof the first plate 10 and adapted to be folded back; and the movableplate portion 212, one end side of which is rotatably joined to theother end side of the fixed plate portion 211 and the other end side ofwhich is adapted to connect with the ends of the stretchable bands 201of the work mask 200.

Across the one end side of the fixed plate portion 211 are hingebearings 2111, 2111 to be paired with the hinge shafts 15, 15 of thefirst plate 10. The other end side of an inner surface of the fixedplate portion 211 is provided with a rotation shaft 2112, which is ascrew to pivotally support the movable plate portion 212. The outersides of the other end side of the fixed plate portion 211 form stoppers2113, 2113 that are adapted to contact outer ends of the movable plateportion 212 and limit a rotation angle range of the movable plateportion 212.

In a central portion of the one end side of the movable plate portion212, the projection 2121 of generally rectangular parallelepiped shape(see FIG. 7) is provided over the inner surface of the fixed plateportion 211, and the rotation shaft 2112 passes through a centralportion of the projection 2121. The movable plate portion 212 isrotatable in a predetermined range about the rotation shaft 2112, withthe movable plate portion 212 and the fixed plate portion 211 existingin the same plane.

The other end side of the movable plate portion 212 is provided with aopen/close holding piece 2122 extending obliquely downward (see FIG. 7).The above-described claw 213 is disposed near the open/close holdingpiece 2122. On either side of the claw 213, fixing holes 2123, 2123 areformed side by side to connect the ends of the stretchable bands 201 ofthe work mask 200.

The fixing holes 2123 are pairs of upper and lower slots 2123 a, 2123 bto fold back the ends of the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200in U shapes and fix the same. The hole sizes of the slots 2123 a aregradually decreased along the width direction (right direction in FIG.3), and the hole sizes of the slots 2123 b are gradually decreased inthe opposite direction to the above direction.

In the other end side of the movable plate portion 212 and alongside thefixing holes 2123, 2123, there are hinge shafts 2124, 2124 to coupleopenably and closably the one end side of the sub plate 23.

Across the one end side of the sub plate 22 are hinge bearings 221, 221to be mated with the hinge shafts 2124, 2124 of the movable plateportion 212. Across the other end side of the sub plate 22 are insertionthrough-holes 222, 222 to pass therethrough the stretchable bands 201 ofthe work mask 200.

FIG. 7 is a partially omitted schematic side view of the work-maskwearing device 100. As shown in the figure, the first plate 10 and thesecond plate 20 are openable and closable in a direction “A”. When theclaw 213 of the second plate 20 is received in the circular-arc hole 13of the first plate 10, the closed state between the first plate 10 andthe second plate 20 is releasably maintained.

The main plate 21 and the sub plate 22 of the second plate 20 areopenable and closable in a direction “B”. When the projection 2121 ofthe main plate 21 is received in the depression 223 of the sub plate 22,the closed state between the main plate 21 and the sub plate 22 isreleasably maintained.

FIGS. 8(A) and (B) are a side view and a front view of the attachmentmember 30. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating astate where the attachment member 30 is attached to the holder 12 of thefirst plate 10.

The attachment member 30 is used to mount the work-mask wearing device100 on a helmet with no gutter. As shown in FIGS. 8(A) and (B) and FIG.10, the attachment member 30 has the holding member 31 with a U-shapedcross section, which is adapted to hold the edge a1 of the helmet A1,and a plate-like attaching member 32, which is formed below the holdingmember 31 and adapted to be received in the hole 124 of the holder 12 ofthe first plate 10. An outer surface of the attaching member 32 isformed with a plurality of rows of teeth 321 having triangularcross-sections that are adapted engage the teeth 14 of the first plate10.

It is possible to attach the work-mask wearing device 100 to the edge a1of the helmet A1 using only the holder 12, but it is better to use theattachment member 30 when there is a possibility that the work-maskwearing device 100 cannot be securely fixed due to a difference in typeof the helmet with no gutter or other reasons.

In this case, when the attachment member 30 is inserted from above intothe hole 124 of the holder 12 of the first plate 10 as shown in FIG. 10,the teeth 321 of the attaching member 32 are brought into meshingengagement with the teeth 14 of the first plate 10. When removing theattachment member 30, the attaching member 32 is pulled out while beingslightly spaced from the inner surface of the plate body 11.

The holding member 31 of the attachment member 30 is of a shapeconforming to the curved surface of the edge a1 of the helmet A1, sothat, in combination with the original function of the holder 12, theedge a1 of the helmet A1 can be securely held irrespective of somevariations in shape and size of the helmet with no gutter.

FIGS. 9(A) and (B) are a side view and a front view of the attachmentmember 40. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating astate where the attachment member 40 is attached to the holder 12 of thefirst plate 10.

The attachment member 40 is used to mount the work-mask wearing device100 on a helmet with gutter. As shown in FIGS. 9A(A) and (B) and FIG.11, the attachment member 40 has a holding member 41 with an L-shapedcross section, which is adapted to hold the edge a2 of the helmet A2,and a plate-like attaching member 42, which is formed below the holdingmember 41 and adapted to received in the hole 124 of the holder 12 ofthe first plate 10. An outer surface of the attaching member 42 isformed with a plurality of rows of teeth 421 having triangularcross-sections that are adapted to engage the teeth 14 of the firstplate 10.

It is possible to attach the work-mask wearing device 100 to the edge a2of the helmet A2 using only the holder 12, but it is better to use theattachment member 40 when there is a possibility that the work-maskwearing device 100 cannot be securely fixed due to a difference in typeof the helmet with no gutter or other reasons.

In this case, when the attachment member 40 is inserted from above intothe hole 124 of the holder 12 of the first plate 10 as shown in FIG. 11,the teeth 421 of the attaching member 42 are brought into meshingengagement with the teeth 14 of the first plate 10. When removing theattachment member 40, the attaching member 42 is pulled out while beingslightly spaced from the inner surface of the plate body 11.

The holding member 41 of the attachment member 40 is of such a shape asto press the edge a2 of the helmet A2 from above (see FIG. 11), so that,in combination with the original function of the holder 12, the edge a2of the helmet A2 can be securely held irrespective of some variations inshape and size of the helmet with gutter.

The helmet A1 is structured as described above, and the followingdescribes how to use the helmet A1 with reference to FIGS. 1(A) and (B)and other figures. First, the ends of the stretchable bands 201 of thework mask 200 are connected to the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100.During the connection, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 7, the ends ofthe stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 are drawn through theinsertion through-holes 222 of the sub plates 22 of the work-maskwearing devices 100, and then they are drawn through the fixing holes2123 b and then fixing holes 2123 a of the main plates 21. The fixingholes 2123 a and 2123 b have such shapes as to prevent the stretchablebands 201 of the work mask 200 from coming off easily.

When the attachment members 30 are to be used, they are attached to thework-mask wearing devices 100, 100 in advance.

Next, a worker wears the helmet A1 and attaches the work-mask wearingdevices 100, 100 onto the edge a1 of the helmet A1, by fitting them inthe open state slightly obliquely over the edge a1 from underneath. Whengoggles 300 are used together with the work mask 200, the stretchableband 310 of the goggles 300 is drawn through the cut-out hook holes 113of the plate bodies 11 to connect the goggles 300. FIG. 1(B) shows thisstate.

When the worker starts to work, he pinches the open/close holding pieces2122 of the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 and flips the main plates21 toward the first plates 10, so that outer surfaces of the main plates21 overlap with the outer surfaces of the first plates 10. When theclaws 213 of the second plates 20 are put into the respectivecircular-arc holes 13 of the first plates 10, elastic forces of theclaws 213 maintain the closed state between the first plates 10 and thesecond plates 20.

At the same time, the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 pressthe sub plates 22 and make it fall onto the main plates 21, so that themain and sub plates enter the closed state. That is, the inner surfacesof the sub plates 22 and the inner surfaces of the main plates 21overlap each other. When the projections 2121 of the main plates 21 comeinto the depressions 223 of the sub plates 22, elastic forces of theengagement pieces 2125 produced in the depressions 223 maintain theclosed state between the sub plates 22 and the main plates 21.

The first plates 10 and the second plates 20 of the work-mask wearingdevices 100, 100 are thus brought into the closed state, and then thework mask 200, which should have hung down due to its own weight, ispulled toward and finally placed over the mouth of the worker.Simultaneously, the movable plate portions 212 and the sub plates 22 arepulled by the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 and therebyautomatically inclined to the pulled direction, resulting in thealignment of the movable plate portions 212, the sub plates 22, and thestretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200. FIG. 1(A) shows this state.

The movable plate portions 212 and the sub plates 22, and thestretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 are thus aligned, totallyirrespective of differences in position of the mouths of individualworkers. Therefore, the work mask 200 can be properly worn withoutmaking fine adjustments of a mounting angle to the helmet A1, asdistinct from conventional devices.

Conversely, when the work mask 300 is not used, the worker pinches theopen/close holding piece 2122 of the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100and flips the second plates 20 in the opposite direction. The claws 213of the flipped second plates 20 thus come off from the circular-archoles 13 of the first plates 10, and the weight of the work mask 20brings the first plates 10 and the second plates 20 into the open state.Simultaneously, the projections 2121 of the main plates 21 getdisengaged from the depressions 223 of the sub plates 22, and the weightof the work mask 20 brings the sub plates 22 and the main plates 21 intothe open state.

The first plates 10 and the second plates 20 of the work-mask wearingdevices 100, 100 are thus brought into the open state, then the weightof the work mask 20 directs the movable plate portions 212 and the subplates 22 downward. The work mask 200 accordingly drops off from themouth of the worker. FIG. 1(B) shows this state. The work mask 200 ispositioned below the jaw of the worker and slightly forward of his face,the work mask 200 will not be particularly annoying to the worker.

Moreover, when the worker takes off the helmet A1 is taken off in thestate as shown in FIG. 1(B), the work mask 200 makes contact with thevicinity of his jaw, so that the helmet A1 is detached from thework-mask wearing devices 100, 100, and the work-mask wearing devices100, 100 are accordingly taken off together with the work mask 200 andthe goggles 300.

The helmet A2 will not be described herein because it is used in theexactly same manner as described above.

Unlike the conventional devices, the above described wearing devicesmake it possible to wear the work mask 200 properly without making fineadjustments of the mounting angle to the helmet A1 or A2 even if thereare significant differences among the workers in position of the mouth.The first plates 10 and the second plates 20 are spaced apart from theface of the worker, so that the worker hardly feels uncomfortable evenwhen the worker sweats in use. The worker can wear the work mask 200 andthe goggles 300 comfortably without feeling that his entire head issqueezed by the work mask 200 and the goggles 300. Such wear comfortwill be hardly lost even for a worker wearing eyeglasses because thereexists no portion to make contact with the temples of the eyeglasses.

Moreover, there is no need to take off the helmet A1 or A2 each timewhen the work mask 200 is put on or taken off during work. The sameholds true for a case where the goggles 300 are put on or taken off.When taking off the helmet A1 or A2 with the work-mask wearing devices100, 100 attached thereto, the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100, thework mask 200 and the goggles 300 will be taken off all together.

Consequently, unlike the conventional example, the usability is improvedsignificantly, and under an environment adversely affecting a humanbody, the wearing rate of the work mask 200 practically increasesdrastically. Moreover, the usability is favorable also because thework-mask wearing device 100 can be shared for a helmet with no gutterand one with gutter, by choosing either one of the attachment members30, 40 as needed. From a manufacturers' standpoint, the work-maskwearing device 100 can be applied to a wide range of types of helmetsand the like if various types of attachment members are prepared,resulting in advantageously reduced costs.

Next, a modified helmet will be described with reference to FIGS. 12(A)and (B). FIGS. 12(A) and (B) are schematic side views for illustrating ahelmet in use, i.e. in a state where the helmet with no gutter is worn.

In a helmet A3 described herein, work-mask wearing devices 10′, 10′ arenot attached to right and left ear areas of an edge a3, but they areintegrated with the helmet A3. The work-mask wearing devices 10′ differfrom the work-mask wearing devices 10 primarily in that the holders 12are not provided, and the one end sides of the plate bodies 11 are fixedto the right and left ear areas of the edge a3 of the helmet A3.Obviously, the helmet A3 and the work-mask wearing devices 10′ may beseparately provided and integrated with each other by screws or otherconnecting means.

As the work-mask wearing devices 10′ are fixed to the helmet A3 asdescribed above, it is possible to do away with the attachment members30 or 40. As the other configurations are completely the same as thoseof the work-mask wearing devices 10, and therefore detailed descriptionswill not be provided.

The work-mask wearing device according to the present invention is notlimited to the above-described embodiments but may be modified indesign, as long as the second plate is rotatable in part with respect tothe first plate not only in the open state but also in the closed state.

With regard to the first plate, the holder thereof may be of anystructure, and the first plate may be of any general shape and material,as long as it is adapted to hold the edge of an helmet. The first platemay be modified in design as needed in accordance with the type etc. ofthe helmet.

With regard to the second plate, as long as the one end side thereof isjoined to the first plate and adapted to be folded back and the otherend side thereof is adapted to connect with an end of the work mask, thesecond plate may or may not have a sub plate, may be joined in anymanner, may be connected to a work mask in any manner, and may be of anygeneral shape and material. The second plate may be modified in designas needed in accordance with the type etc. of the helmet. The secondplate may be modified in design such that the entire second plate isrotatable with respect to the first plate. As to the first and secondfixing means, any fixing method may be employed as long as the first andsecond fixing means can releasably maintain the closed state between theplates. For example, magnets, springs or other fixing means may be used.

The helmet according to the present invention is not limited to theabove-described embodiments. As long as the work-mask wearing device isprovided on the edge of the helmet, the work-mask wearing device may befixed with any fixing means and at any fixing positions to the helmet inaccordance with the type of the helmet. Particularly, the work-maskwearing device may not be completely fixed to the helmet body, but itmay be configured such that the work-mask wearing device is providedopenably and closably so as not to be annoying when the work-maskwearing device is not used. Moreover, the work mask may be of any type,and goggles may or may not be used.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   A1 helmet (helmet with no gutter)-   A2 helmet (helmet with gutter)-   A3 helmet-   a1, a2, a3 edge-   100, 100′ work-mask wearing device-   10 first plate-   11 plate body-   12 holder-   124 hole-   13 circular-arc hole (part of first fixing means)-   20 second plate-   21 main plate-   211 fixed plate portion-   212 movable plate portion-   2121 projection (part of second fixing means)-   213 claw (part of first fixing means)-   22 sub plate-   222 insertion through-hole-   223 depression (part of second fixing means)-   30 attachment member (first attachment member)-   31 holding member (distal end of first attachment member)-   40 attachment member (second attachment member)-   41 holding member (distal end of the second attachment member)-   200 work mask-   201 stretchable band (end of work mask: strap)

1. A work-mask wearing device to connect a work mask and a helmet, thedevice comprising: a first plate including a holder on one end sidethereof, the holder being adapted to hold an edge of the helmet; and asecond plate, including one end side and an other end side, the one endside of the second plate being joined to an other end side of the firstplate and adapted to be folded back, and the other end side of thesecond plate being adapted to connect with an end of the work mask,wherein the first plate and the second plate are provided with firstfixing means for releasably maintaining a closed state where outersurfaces of the plates overlap each other, and the second plate isrotatable in its entirety or in part with respect to the first plate notonly in an open state but also in the closed state.
 2. The work-maskwearing device according to claim 1, wherein the first fixing meansincludes: a claw provided in the second plate; and a circular-arc holeformed in a surface of a plate body of the first plate, the circular-archole being adapted to receive and engage the claw.
 3. The work-maskwearing device according to claim 2, wherein the first plate and thesecond plate are bent as a whole, the first plate is at a relativeposition such that the plate body thereof is inclined at an angle ofabout 30° to 50° to the holder thereof oriented parallel to the edge ofthe helmet, and the second plate is at such a relative position as to beinclined at an angle of about 120° to 150° to the plate body of thefirst plate.
 4. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 1,wherein the second plate includes: a fixed plate portion, including oneend side joined to the other end side of the first plate and adapted tobe folded back; and a movable plate portion, including one end side andan other end side, the one end side of the movable plate portion beingrotatably joined to an other end side of the fixed plate portion, andthe other end side of the movable plate portion being adapted to connectwith the end of the work mask.
 5. The work-mask wearing device accordingto claim 4, wherein the fixed plate portion of the second plate isprovided with a stopper that is contactable with a portion of themovable plate portion to limit a rotation angular range of the movableplate portion.
 6. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 4,wherein the second plate includes: a main plate configured to includethe fixed plate portion and the movable plate portion; and a sub plate,including one end side and an other end side, the one end side of thesub plate being rotatably joined to an other end side of the main plate,and the other end side of the sub plate including an insertionthrough-hole for passing therethrough a strap of the work mask, and themain plate and the sub plate are provided with second fixing means forreleasably maintaining a closed state where inner surfaces of the platesoverlap each other.
 7. The work-mask wearing device according to claim6, wherein the second fixing means includes: a projection provided on aninner surface of the movable plate portion of the main plate; and adepression formed in an inner surface of the sub plate, the depressionbeing adapted to receive and engage the projection.
 8. The work-maskwearing device according to claim 1, wherein the holder of the firstplate overhangs in a thickness direction of the first plate.
 9. Thework-mask wearing device according to claim 1, wherein the holder of thefirst plate includes: a base, being adapted to be disposed along, below,and opposite the edge of the helmet; an inner claw of straightplate-like shape, standing on an inner side of the base and beingcontactable with an inner side of the edge of the helmet; and an outerclaw, standing on an outer side of the base and being contactable withan outer side of the edge of the helmet.
 10. The work-mask wearingdevice according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the outer claw andthe base is passed through an annular cushioning member for stablyattaching the work-mask wearing device onto the edge of the helmet. 11.The work-mask wearing device according to claim 9, further comprising afirst attachment member including a distal end that is adapted to holdthe edge of the helmet with no gutter, wherein the base of the holder ofthe first plate is formed with a hole to mount from above a base end ofthe first attachment member along the first plate.
 12. The work-maskwearing device according to claim 9, further comprising a secondattachment member including a distal end of L-shaped cross sectionadapted to hook the edge of the helmet with gutter, wherein the base ofthe holder of the first plate is formed with a hole to mount from abovea base end of the second attachment member along the first plate.
 13. Ahelmet comprising: two of the work-mask wearing devices according toclaim 1 attached to the edge of the helmet; and a work mask connected tothe other end sides of the second plates of the work-mask wearingdevices.
 14. A helmet comprising: two of the work-mask wearing devicesaccording to claim 1 integrated with the edge of the helmet; and a workmask connected to the other end sides of the second plates of thework-mask wearing devices.